A Casual Brunch #1

This simple brunch of French toast and fruit highlights how color can perk up any table.

So where’s the French toast? With a houseful of guests over the holiday season, I wasn’t about to photograph it or the juice, the bacon, the sausages, or the steaming cups of tea and coffee (“Would you pause just a second and smile as you pretend to eat that bacon? Whoops! No flash! Let’s try that shot again ...”) And again ... and again ... and again. 

If you’ve never made gourmet French toast, try these three new takes on an old favorite: Nicole’s Stuffed French Roast with Orange-Pecan Filling, Super Simple Batter-Dipped French Toast, and Overnight Caramel French Toast.

If all you want is the basic yum!, check this super-simple Frat House French Toast or the easy French Christmas Croissants I made a couple of weeks ago. 

As for color? Never be afraid to use it - and use it liberally! Keep it in mind as you cook and serve, and everything will taste better than it already does.

Sitting at the kitchen table lends a casual feeling.

This couldn't be faster: Section half an orange

per person, layering with fresh berries. 

A tiny table needs a tiny centerpiece. These

snippets of red kalanchoe blooms were ideal!